2 miles of hiking • 2000' elevation gain •
Preparing for a St Helens hike/ski in a few months. Hiked up from Timberline on the east side of the Palmer lift and skied down. We intended to go higher up, but the weather was turning, the wind was picking up, conditions were icy and they just pulled an unfortunate climber's body off the mountain.
Skis and boots are heavy! Not sure carrying them up is the best strategy. I've got some fitness to work on for sure. My friend rented AT boots and skinned up so she had a lighter load, but she wasn't happy with the skis and was missing her alpine sticks on that hard crusty descent. Still better than walking down.
